“Blush should mimic the color of your cheeks when you’re excited, hot, or just come in from the cold,” says Svay. Try Revlon Blush in Blushing Berry ($9.99, drugstore.com), a matte berry hue.
“If you have fair to medium-toned skin like Thandie Newton, I’d recommend a soft peach or cinnamon hued blush,” says Svay. Try Cargo BeachBlush in Coral Beach ($13, sephora.com).
If you have a round face, use a bronzer or highlighter to define cheekbones. “Apply right over blush to add contour,” Svay says. “I love Lorac TANtalizer Baked Bronzer ($30), it has a gorgeous sheen.”
Orange blush looks crazy-bright in the packaging, but nothing’s prettier on brown skin than a pop of tangerine. Nars Powder Blush in Taj Majal ($25, drugstore.com) is our favorite.
“Dark-skinned Black woman like Alek Wek look amazing in rich shades, like berry or chocolatey plum,” says Svay. Try Iman Luxury Blushing Powder in Sable ($9.99, ulta.com), a creamy cocoa shade.
“I’m a fan of soft, dewy skin, so I love cream blush,” says Svay. “Use your middle finger to apply to the apples of your cheeks.” Try Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick in Rosy Flush ($18.50, macys.com).
“When applying blush, you’ll get the most natural flush if you use a brush the size of the apple of your cheek,” says Svay. Bobbi Brown Peony Blush ($22) gives a summery pop of color.
“Women with medium-to-deep complexions like Gabrielle Union look great in shades ranging from deep rose to a brick red,” says Svay. Try MAC Blush in Raizin ($18.50), a red-brown hue.
Stila Pomegranate Crush Lip and Cheek Stain ($24, sephora.com) is blended with pomegranate extracts that react to your personal pH levels, creating a customized, plummy flush. So smart!
“If you don’t like color on your cheeks, try bronzer instead,” says Svay. “Go a shade or two deeper than your skin tone.” Tarte Sunkissed Cheek Stain ($30, sephora.com) gives a sheer hint-of-a-tint.
Is your favorite blush cracked and worn down to the edges? Svay has a tip: “Mix it with a bit of my Tastee Organic Lip Balms ($20 for 3, tasteecosmetics.com) to make a cheek stain,” she says.
Still can’t find the perfect blush? At ThreeCustom.com, makeup artist Trae Bodge and the Three Custom Color Specialists can custom-blend a blush shade for you, based on your specifications!
